An airport was first opened on the site of Newcastle International Airport in 1935: it cost roughly $70,000 to build and consisted of a grass runway, clubhouse, hangar and a hose for fuel. Today, it is the tenth-largest airport in the UK, home to 21 airlines, which fly to destinations in Europe and Canada. About five million passengers used the airport in 2006. A major $54 million expansion to the airport was unveiled in 2000. www.newcastleairport.com
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Underground: The city underground Metro system connects the airport directly with 45 other Metro stations. For more information on Metro services, contact the operator Nexus (tel: +44 (0)191 203 3333) or Traveline (tel: +44 (0)870 608 2608).
Taxi: The Airport Taxi Association (tel: +44 (0)191 214 4309) runs a service from a desk within the terminal building. Chauffeured executive cars, MPVs and luxury coaches are offered by Parkers Execulink (tel: +44 (0)191 214 4412; Web site: www.parkersexeculink.com).
Bus: Buses nos.76, 76A, 77, 77A, 78, 78E, 79 and 79A run between Eldon Square Bus Concourse in the city center and the airport. For more information, contact Traveline (tel: +44 (0)870 608 2608).
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Both long- and short-term parking are provided, with a 24-hour courtesy shuttle bus operating between the long-term parking lot and the terminal. A direct pre-booking service is available enabling passengers to save money on parking costs (tel: (0)191 214 4026). Online booking via the airport’s Web site is also available.
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Money and communications: A bank, bureau de change and ATMs are available.
Eating and drinking: A food court on the first floor offers a range of restaurants and snack bars; there is a coffee shop and pub nearby.
Shopping: Shops include a tax- and duty-free shop, a pharmacy and bookstores/newsagents. Duty-free goods can be pre-ordered online via the airport’s Web site.
Luggage: 24-hour baggage storage and lost property information are available (tel: +44 (0)191 286 0966), as well as a free porter service.
Other facilities: These include baby care facilities, play areas, an entertainment area with children’s rides and video games, a travel agent and a 24-hour chaplaincy.
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The Britannia Newcastle Airport Hotel (tel: +44 (0)191 401 9988) is within walking distance of the terminal, and a free 24-hour shuttle bus operates between the terminal and the hotel. The Newcastle Airport Travel Inn (tel: +44 (0)1661 825 040 or +44 (0)870 197 7190) is also within walking distance of the airport. The Millers Premier Lodge (tel: +44 (0)191 286 9254) is 547 yards from the terminal. Passengers can reach the hotel by taking the Metro to Callerton Parkway station or by taxi. A hotel reservations service is available through the information desk, which is located on the ground floor of the terminal building.
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Disabled toilets, elevators and reserved parking spaces are all provided. There are wheelchairs and specialist vehicles within the terminal for access to the aircraft. A TTY phone for hearing-impaired passengers is available on the main concourse opposite the information desk. There is an induction coupler on pay phones, and a Minicom telephone at the information desk (tel: +44 (0)191 214 3333). An induction loop system is in operation in various parts of the terminal building. Passenger service assistants are available on request and a number of airport staff are trained in the use of sign language. Those requiring assistance should contact the airport in advance (tel: +44 (0)191 286 0966).
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The Business Center is equipped with telephones, fax machines, Internet access and a small meeting area. The Cheviot Executive Lounge is available for all passengers, with credit-card telephone, fax and Internet facilities available. There is also a British Airways Lounge equipped with a business center area. For conference facilities, contact the Britannia Newcastle Airport Hotel (tel: +44 (0)191 401 9988) or the Newcastle Airport Travel Inn (tel: +44 (0)1661 825 040 or +44 (0)8701 977 190).
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